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Some of Jesus' parables are rather difficult to explain: at least they require much thought and some background knowledge if not we may give them too facile an explanation, one that is possibly erroneous or at least somewhat misleading. Today's parable falls into that category. It is often entitled "The Dishonest Steward." The difficulty is that the steward seems to act dishonestly, whereas Jesus could not possibly be teaching us dishonest practices or attitudes. There is no doubt that the steward was dishonest, or at least irresponsible in carrying out his duties. But that was before his master found out and challenged him, forcing him to think about himself and his future. We should not immediately think that his dishonesty carried on into the second part of the story. The best explanation seems to be that in reducing his clients' bills he was cutting into his own legitimate commission, without doing anything dishonest towards his master. He was prepared to sacrifice some of his own rightful earnings in order to gain a better advantage, to prepare a better future for himself. At this point he was prudent and self-sacrificing rather than dishonest. Would we make such sacrifices for the Kingdom of God? Lord, grant us a spirit of self-denial that we may more easily enter into the fullness of life. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". | |
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